An agent currently in Phase III clinical trials that selectively targets diseased cells because they have increased rates of metabolism. Once inside the diseased cell, motexafin gadolinium may work to disrupt its energy production and the ability to repair itself. This biolocalization can be confirmed because the compound can be seen via MRI. Motexafin gadolinium accumulates in diseased cells with repeat doses and remains in the cells for days.
Motexafin gadolinium is being investigated in clinical trials, in combination chemotherapy and with radiation therapy for the treatment of several types of cancer.

Pharmacyclics is a pharmaceutical company developing novel agents to improve current therapeutic approaches to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. The company's proprietary products are derived from its core technology in biometallic chemistry. These products under development are based upon small molecules, which bind metals in a unique way and are capable of capturing and focusing forms of energy used in a variety of medical applications. The company has one product in registration with the FDA, Gadolite® Oral Suspension, a contrast agent for imaging the gastrointestinal tract; two products in clinical development, Gd-Tex (Motexafin gadolinium), a radiation sensitizer, Lu-Tex, a photosensitizer; and several compounds in preclinical development.

MRI Contrast Agents: